Race And Comics

[celldog]

The subject of race is such a sensitive one in The US due to the ramifications of slavery. It was largely confined to one group of the population (there actually were white slaves as well but it didn't become a wide spread practice) and the general feeling of "whites" at this time is that "blacks" were either subhuman or animals. With the length of time it went on ( late 1600's till late 1800's) this school of thought became almost universally accepted, and special provisions had to be made as late as the 1960's in order to "insure" that blacks were receiving "equal" treatment. because of the manner in which most African American families arrived in the US ( stripped of family, name, and culture) there has been a huge struggle for Identity in the Black community. In addition the general public is only given a very narrow section of our culture as an example (which is Hip Hop). In general Hip Hop does not provide a very positive image of black culture as it is a "microwave consumerist" culture with a focus on immediate gratification and doing "whatever it takes" to get the things that will bring prestige, and thereby Identity. The "hustle" is a great tool for gaining control of ones circumstances, but the celebration of new "freedom" usually creates more circumstances where one needs to "hustle" the funds are rarely put towards long term investments such as property or legal businesses. African Americans (especially males) have few places to to find positive male leads as almost every prominent Black Male in America is a celebrity and few of those (frequently in the news) are role models. It is a general opinion that blacks are "not capable enough" to handle and interact in a responsible manner. (the number of young black males in the penal system is actually on a steady increase, as is the number of single mothers of black children) Many black families live in the inner cities or in a ghetto and it’s difficult to get a good education or even finish the excuse for education that is provided. For these reasons it becomes vitally important that we find a way to introduce positive examples of Black Males to the youths. Most of the hero’s we see do not have our faces and thereby do not give us a sense of potential that we can aspire to…

Nice piece of writing.

 

[The Leaguer]

I wish there were more white people in comics.

 

[T'Jai]

Nice piece of writing.

thank you.

 

[celldog]

thank you.

No prob....

 

[ObakeTora]

Nice peice of writing indeed you sound like a young Cornel West. Honestly since most comics today are written by white men I have given up hope to see black people represented the way we truly are. What we should do is encourage more black artists to create comics that represent us in a real way. My biggest gripe with blacks in comics stems from an Ironman issue published 10 years ago. James Rhodes and Tony's ex were about to do the nasty, I was enjoying the story until Rhodes mentioned in a panel she might have a problem with him because he is black.

 

[hippy fascist]

Nice peice of writing indeed you sound like a young Cornel West. Honestly since most comics today are written by white men I have given up hope to see black people represented the way we truly are. What we should do is encourage more black artists to create comics that represent us in a real way. My biggest gripe with blacks in comics stems from an Ironman issue published 10 years ago. James Rhodes and Tony's ex were about to do the nasty, I was enjoying the story until Rhodes mentioned in a panel she might have a problem with him because he is black.

Finally a positive remark rather than just celldog's reverse rascism. At least this guy is focussing on now rather than just *****ing about the past

 

[T'Jai]

Nice peice of writing indeed you sound like a young Cornel West. Honestly since most comics today are written by white men I have given up hope to see black people represented the way we truly are. What we should do is encourage more black artists to create comics that represent us in a real way. My biggest gripe with blacks in comics stems from an Ironman issue published 10 years ago. James Rhodes and Tony's ex were about to do the nasty, I was enjoying the story until Rhodes mentioned in a panel she might have a problem with him because he is black.

^extrapolate if you would...

Finally a positive remark rather than just celldog's reverse rascism. At least this guy is focussing on now rather than just *****ing about the past

by the by just so you know the term reverse racism is actually in itself racist..

 

[hippy fascist]

He appreciates that the problem is not that black people are under-represented in comics. It is that people write what they know and if most writers are white they will write mostly white characters. You want more black role models we need more black people working in comics. Black writers and artists.

All celldog keeps saying is that things used to be a certain way and *****ing about cosmic powers. Me, I hate cosmic characters, I'd rather see the likes of spidey brawling with a villain than galactus just stepping on people or vapourising them with a wave of his hand. Power levels do not affect a characters status as a role model, getting the right writer who is well versed on african american history and modern culture will.

You want a possitive role model, how about luke cage in the latest new avengers? Now that's a role model.

 

[T'Jai]

He appreciates that the problem is not that black people are under-represented in comics. It is that people write what they know and if most writers are white they will write mostly white characters. You want more black role models we need more black people working in comics. Black writers and artists.

All celldog keeps saying is that things used to be a certain way and *****ing about cosmic powers. Me, I hate cosmic characters, I'd rather see the likes of spidey brawling with a villain than galactus just stepping on people or vapourising them with a wave of his hand. Power levels do not affect a characters status as a role model, getting the right writer who is well versed on african american history and modern culture will.

You want a possitive role model, how about luke cage in the latest new avengers? Now that's a role model.

I meant the Rhodes thing, what about that particular moment set him off... I caught the rest . As to celldogs issue, of the handfull (actually around 200 between M and DC) of black characters in the main stream books most of the cosmic(black) ones do seem to be villans, but then so few(black characters) are created that it hits me as a symptom of the problem not the problem itself...

 

[hippy fascist]

So do something about getting black writers and artists involved. It's not rascist that the nhl is mostly white. It's just the majority of people interested in playing hockey are white. Maybe there just aren't that many black people who want to work in comics. That's all I'm saying on this issue.

 

[T'Jai]

So do something about getting black writers and artists involved. It's not rascist that the nhl is mostly white. It's just the majority of people interested in playing hockey are white. Maybe there just aren't that many black people who want to work in comics. That's all I'm saying on this issue.

Well the big two are not looking for writers (RE: a comment from Joe Q at SDCC) so it would have to be an Independent book which is difficult to get noticed and or on the shelves, and many writer's and artist are afraid to be pigeon holed as a "black" writer or a "black" artist which could affect their ability to get better paying mainstream work. The influx of writing talent from the novel and motion picture industry (at least on the marvel end) has included at least two black writers one of which was given a spider-man title to write and Web comics allow a decent creative out put once again provided one is able to get noticed. I think the comic industry is a lot like every other creative industry whereas there are many who would, many who try, and few who are able to do..

 

[hippy fascist]

Well the big two are not looking for writers (RE: a comment from Joe Q at SDCC) so it would have to be an Independent book which is difficult to get noticed and or on the shelves, and many writer's and artist are afraid to be pigeon holed as a "black" writer or a "black" artist which could affect their ability to get better paying mainstream work. The influx of writing talent from the novel and motion picture industry (at least on the marvel end) has included at least two black writers one of which was given a spider-man title to write and Web comics allow a decent creative out put once again provided one is able to get noticed. I think the comic industry is a lot like every other creative industry whereas there are many who would, many who try, and few who are able to do..

So next time something comes out go out and support it. Fan's can make a difference.For example:

Firefly got cut short and cancelled by fox so a load of people, myself included started a movement to bring it back. We put up websites, bought three or four copies of the dvd to give as presents and generally spread the word to the right people. Next thing we know, serenity was being made. Not a great success at box office but the point is we got it done.

Use your voice, if there's not enough black artists spread the words about those currently working in the medium, drum up some interest and get the ball rolling, if the guy/girl is good then people will soon pick up on this and next thing you know more black writers/artists will be coming out of the woodwork. Also write to marvel and tell them you feel underrepresented. Present the case for them employing some of your favourite underground artists...if enough people do it the simply can't ignore the issue anymore. The point is don't sit here complaining, get out there and do something. I'll sign whatever petition/mailer/etc you like, I'll spread the word but till people start to take action I just don't care. That's not supposed to be offensive to you but people who made changes through the years were people who did things rather than complaining to people who have no real influence anyway.

 

[T'Jai]

I agree completely, you might have noticed (and correct me if I'm wrong) that none of my posts have complained about the status Quo but merely explained it (thanks by the way I worked on the show FireFly so the multiple DVD purchases are appreciated ) actually the reason it takes me a while to respond to posts is cause I'm working on one of many scripts that have been floating in my head for years amusing none but myself... I don't like the problem so I'm working on becoming a proactive part of the solution...

 

[hippy fascist]

Dude, you worked on firefly! That is so cool, what did you do?

 

[T'Jai]

stunt work on a few eps.

 

[hippy fascist]

sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet

Is Jewel as filthy in real life.

She may be happily married but one day, she will be mine...oh yes...she will be mine (Sorry couldn't resist that reference)

 

[T'Jai]

*slowly backing away from any resulting fallout from previous admission*

uh... Jewel who,(no she's not) I don't know what or who your talking about

 

[hippy fascist]

oh come on everybody loves kaylee. there's just something about a woman covered in engine grease

 

[T'Jai]

oh come on everybody loves kaylee. there's just something about a woman covered in engine grease

I cannot argue with your claim (but I don't have to validate it either)

 

[hippy fascist]

don't supose you have any inside info on when the next series of serenity comics is due? Got the announcement a couple of months ago but heard nothing since

 

[T'Jai]

nope different ball game altogether an I haven't seen Joss since they were filming serenity...

 

[hippy fascist]

name-dropper

 

[T'Jai]

name-dropper

t:

 

[Darthphere]

You guys should listen to the Podcast of the DC 52 Panel from Comic-con, the question of race is addressed there.

 

[T'Jai]

appreciated, where could one find such a podcast...